If there’s one treat guaranteed to disappear quickly at any party, it’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. This recipe takes the cozy, nostalgic flavors of peanut butter cookies and pairs them with the decadent surprise of a chocolate peanut butter cup nestled right in the center. Each cookie is soft, chewy, and wonderfully rich, perfect for both special occasions and everyday cravings. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or adding them to your own sweet stash, these cookies are absolutely irresistible.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything you need for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is a breeze—these pantry staples come together to create a cookie that’s both tender and full of flavor. Each ingredient adds its own magic, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect peanut butter-chocolate balance in every bite.

Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The backbone of flavor, lending that classic peanutty richness and smoothness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve their chewy texture.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deep, caramelized taste; packing it tightly makes all the difference.
Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds extra richness to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds a sweet aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder, making sure the cookies hold their shape around the candy.
Baking Soda: Gives just the right lift so each cookie puffs gently as it bakes.
Salt: Enhances peanut butter flavor and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: The star of the show! Unwrapped and slightly chilled ensures they stay perfectly shaped in the center of each cookie.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Your Oven

Start by getting your mini muffin tin ready—lightly grease it so the cookies pop out with ease. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving your oven a head start means your dough is ready to bake as soon as it’s mixed, maximizing freshness and ease.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for creating beautifully tender and chewy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and stir in the vanilla extract. Mixing thoroughly at this point ensures your dough is evenly flavored and the cookies bake up soft and cohesive.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step makes sure you don’t get any lumps in your dough and that each bite is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. Blend just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we’re aiming for soft, pillowy perfection!

Step 6: Fill Your Mini Muffin Tin

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup. The dough should just reach the top, providing the perfect base for your peanut butter cups.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. The cookies should look puffed and lightly golden around the edges—timing is key for a chewy, not crunchy, texture.

Step 8: Add the Peanut Butter Cups

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press an unwrapped mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. The heat will melt the chocolate just enough to anchor it perfectly. Let the cookies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and keeps the candies from melting all over.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these cookies over the top, adding just a bit of elegance and extra flavor. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for bakery-style flair.

Side Dishes

Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookies alongside an ice-cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee or cocoa. For dessert platters, pair them with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—both will balance the cookies’ rich, chocolatey goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in cupcake liners or mini candy cups for a playful, gift-ready look. They also make a charming addition to holiday treat platters or party favors; stack them in a clear jar with a ribbon and you’ve got a sweet, homemade gift everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies last beautifully for several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Line the container with parchment between layers to keep them as fresh, soft, and delicious as the day you baked them.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for holidays or gatherings, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies freeze exceptionally well! Once cooled, pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature for last-minute treats.

Reheating

To bring back that “just baked” warmth, microwave a cookie for 8–10 seconds. The chocolate softens slightly and the peanut butter flavor shines. If you’re reheating several, a few minutes in a low oven (about 300°F) works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter Cup Cookies a bit more texture and peanutty crunch. Just make sure it’s well stirred so the oil is incorporated evenly.

What’s the best way to keep the peanut butter cups from melting too much?

A great trick is to chill the peanut butter cups in the fridge or freezer before using them. This keeps them holding their shape when pressed into the hot cookies, resulting in those picture-perfect centers.

Can I make these cookies bigger using a standard muffin tin?

You can, but be mindful to adjust both the amount of dough and the baking time. The cookies will be larger, so they may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven. Mini peanut butter cups will still work, or use larger ones for a super decadent treat.

Are Peanut Butter Cup Cookies good for gifting?

They’re fantastic for gifting! Their adorable, bakery-style look and melt-in-your-mouth bite make them a favorite for teacher gifts, care packages, or holiday cookie exchanges. Just make sure they’re packed snugly so they arrive intact.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes—prepare the dough and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Scoop and bake as usual; you may need to add an extra minute of baking time if the dough is cold.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple, delightful, and sure to impress, it’s time to whip up a batch of Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Nothing brings out smiles quite like the magical pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. Give these a try—your friends and family will thank you, and you might even want to keep a secret stash just for yourself!